Water Patrol

The Water Patrol is coordinated under the direction of the Training Division and is staffed by Reserve Deputies. 

The goal of the Water Patrol is to educate and enforce safe boating practices on all waterways in Olmsted County.  The Water Patrol is responsible for inspections of rental watercrafts in the County.  The Water Patrol trains with the DIVE Team and would assist in an emergency situation.

Lake Zumbro provides an unique situation as the lake is in Olmsted and Wabasha Counties.  The Wabasha County Sheriff's Office has authorized the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office the jurisdiction to patrol and maintain the safety on Lake Zumbro.

A CAUTION ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR LAKE ZUMBRO:

As of May 10, 2011, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office is advising all users of Lake Zumbro to be cautious while on the lake.  Please, slow down as water depths have changed.

Lake Zumbro has changed since the flood in September 2010.  Users will find that water depths and channels have changed.  Specifically, there is now a large silt bar near Fisherman’s Inn.  As of May 7, 2011 the water depth at the highest point of this silt bar was only 2.5 feet below the water’s surface.  Users of the lake, especially water-skiers, need to familiarize themselves with the new water depths.   

At this time, it is unknown how the water levels will rise and/or fall as the Oronoco Dam is no longer in use.  Underwater hazards may also exist due to the power of the flood waters.  Various debris can be lying just under the surface of the water that can cause damage or injuries to users of the lake. 

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office highly encourages all users of Lake Zumbro to familiarize  themselves with the new water depths.  Slowing down and learning the new layout of the lake will allow everyone that enjoys the water a safe boating season.

FUNDING:

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol receives grant funding from the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to aid in our water patrol enforcement and safety activities.  In addition, Olmsted County contributes funding to assist in maintaining the Water Patrol operation.

GRANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

Grant Name:  State Boat & Water Safety Grant to MN Counties

Project Manager:  County Sheriff

Type:   Legislatively-directed appropriation

Purpose:  Preventing or reducing boating accidents & drownings and making Minnesota’s waters safe & enjoyable.  This includes boating law enforcement, aids to navigations, response to & investigation of boating accidents/drownings, search, rescue & recovery operations, permitting of events & temporary structures and rental boat inspections.

GRANTS TO

OLMSTED COUNTY 

2012 Grant:                        

MN DNR Allocated:  $9,796.00

Grant Period:  January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013

Federal Grant Allocated:  $5,125

Grant Period: May 11, 2012 - September 3, 2012

County levy for 2012:  $10,500

Amounted Expended and Invoiced as of 6/30/13:    N/A until 2/2013

Amount Expended and Invoiced to date:                 N/A at this time

2011 Grant:                        

Allocated:  $9,302.00

Grant Period:  January 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012

Amounted Expended and Invoiced as of 6/30/11:     $  9,302.00

Amount Expended and Invoiced to date:                  $  9,302.00

Olmsted County Contribution to Water Patrol            $14,277.79

2010 Grant:                         

Allocated:  $8,444.00

Grant Period:  January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011

Amount Expended and Invoiced as of 6/30/10:          $ 8,444.00

Amount Expended and Invoiced to date:                   $ 8,444.00

Olmsted County Contribution to Water Patrol:           $24,292.00